RealGM Wiretap

James Harden played a critical role in recruiting Chris Paul to the Houston Rockets this offseason.

Paul decided not to re-sign with the Los Angeles Clippers and agreed to an opt-in and trade to the Rockets.

“I just knew that in the summertime obviously (Paul) was a free agent, and I wanted to see where his head was,” Harden said of Paul. “He didn’t seem happy, so after that we just took it from there.

“Obviously Golden State has been in the Finals and won two out of three, so that’s what everybody is trying to build up against. But we’re right there. We’re right there. Obviously, we have a lot of work to do, but it definitely puts us in a better chance.”